Water Quality in West Palm Beach, FL: 238 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 83/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
West Palm Beach's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Federal EPA data for West Palm Beach, FL shows 238 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality Map: West Palm Beach, FL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in West Palm Beach
Water quality varies across West Palm Beach's 17 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33404 | B | 74 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33401 | B | 79 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33403 | B | 79 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33405 | B | 79 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33406 | B | 79 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33407 | B | 79 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33409 | B | 79 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33411 | B | 79 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33415 | B | 79 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33417 | B | 79 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33412 | B | 84 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33413 | B | 84 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33402 | A | 89 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33416 | A | 89 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
| 33419 | A | 92 | 14 | 6 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving West Palm Beach.
Water Quality Overview
West Palm Beach, Florida receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 83 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving West Palm Beach have accumulated 238 EPA violations, including 102 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 17 ZIP codes serving approximately 782,548 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, West Palm Beach's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across West Palm Beach water systems is 0.0014 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 53% of homes built before 1986, West Palm Beach has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 782,548 people across 17 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 170 enforcement actions against water systems serving West Palm Beach. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in West Palm Beach
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in West Palm Beach Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across West Palm Beach's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 68 | 17 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 17 | 17 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 17 | 17 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving West Palm Beach:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 51 | 51 |
| 2022 | 17 | 17 |
| 2023 | 17 | 17 |
| 2024 | 17 | 17 |
Violations have decreased from 51 in 2021 to 17 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving West Palm Beach. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-07-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-07-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-07-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-07-05 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-07-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-06-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-02-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-02-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-18 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-07-09.
West Palm Beach vs. Nearby Florida Cities
How West Palm Beach's water quality compares to similar cities in Florida:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Palm Beach | B | 238 | 4 | 782,548 |
| Bryceville | C | 0 | 1 | 826,664 |
| Saint Augustine | C | 0 | 1 | 826,664 |
| Rockledge | C | 0 | 2 | 830,505 |
Recommended Water Filters for West Palm Beach
Based on contaminants detected in West Palm Beach's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Chlorine and Chloramines
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
- Berkey Travel
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in West Palm Beach
Water quality varies across West Palm Beach's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33404 | 74 | B | 14 | 6 |
| 33401 | 79 | B | 14 | 6 |
| 33403 | 79 | B | 14 | 6 |
| 33405 | 79 | B | 14 | 6 |
| 33406 | 79 | B | 14 | 6 |
| 33407 | 79 | B | 14 | 6 |
| 33409 | 79 | B | 14 | 6 |
| 33411 | 79 | B | 14 | 6 |
| 33415 | 79 | B | 14 | 6 |
| 33417 | 79 | B | 14 | 6 |
| 33422 | 92 | A | 14 | 6 |
| 33420 | 92 | A | 14 | 6 |
| 33419 | 92 | A | 14 | 6 |
| 33416 | 89 | A | 14 | 6 |
| 33402 | 89 | A | 14 | 6 |
Common Questions About West Palm Beach Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in West Palm Beach, Florida:
Is West Palm Beach water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. West Palm Beach's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink West Palm Beach tap water? West Palm Beach's water receives a grade of B (83/100). There are 102 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for West Palm Beach? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house or under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
West Palm Beach vs. Florida Average
Understanding how West Palm Beach compares to the broader Florida average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within West Palm Beach.
ZIP Codes in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach spans 17 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 33401. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.